3 Bold Predictions for Saints-Vikings Wild Card Matchup

Drew Brees and the Saints just missed out on a first-round bye in the 2019 playoffs, which has them set up for another do-or-die game against the Minnesota Vikings, who broke New Orleans' hearts two years ago in Minneapolis.

The Saints are in the Superdome and have the advantage in several key statistical categories this time around, but it won't be a walk in the park against Mike Zimmer's aggressive Vikings. With that in mind, here's a particularly bold look at how this game could turn out.

3. Michael Thomas Tops 200 Yards Receiving

New Orleans Saints WR Michael Thomas / Brett Carlsen/Getty Images

The Vikings have talent at nearly every position, but this roster is not without holes, one of the biggest of which is in their secondary. Xavier Rhodes has devolved from an elite corner to burnt toast, and facing a guy who set the NFL record for catches in a season is assuredly not the best medicine. Thomas has been almost unstoppable this season, and a corner who is allowing almost an 80% completion rate on throws his way isn't going to cool the Saints WR down.

2. Kirk Cousins Plays Well in a Primetime Game

Minnesota Vikings QB Kirk Cousins / Hannah Foslien/Getty Images

Much is made about how Cousins struggles in primetime, but he has shown this year that he's at least marking strides in the right direction under the bright lights. He took down the Dallas Cowboys on SNF behind an efficient night of passing, and played really well on the road in a close loss to the Seahawks. New Orleans has a tough defense, but with Minnesota's weapons on offense, Cousins should be able to put up big numbers.

1. Wil Lutz Wins it With Last-Second FG

New Orleans Saints kicker Wil Lutz / Chris Graythen/Getty Images

These two are as evenly matched as you can get in a No. 3 vs. No. 6 seed game. They both have terrific quarterbacks, Pro Bowl running backs, game-changing receivers, and stifling defenses. However, when the chips are down and a game-winning drive needs mounting, do you trust Drew Brees or Kirk Cousins? Expect Brees to march New Orleans down the field against the Minnesota defense in the final minute, with lights out kicker Wil Lutz drilling a game winner to finally allow the Saints to exorcise their Vikings demons.